Doctor On Elon Musk's Mental Health Diagnosis

[@DarkShadows713]

As an autistic person, thank you for framing it this way!! It's so hard to communicate the fact that I'm autistic with other people because they view me as less than a real person when I do.

[@myboy732]

Yo screw those people.

[@sethmiller6128]

Yeah theres people that will see you as normal I also have asburgers and I tell people even though I feel normal and so far people seem to treat me the same

[@brittanylehman5104]

I'm also autistic, so it's good to meet another person like me, even if it's on KZbin. I have high functioning Aspbergers, so almost nobody can tell I'm autistic until I tell them, but it's cool to know that we've got something in common with some actors and really REALLY rich people though, right? It's REALLY COOL! X3

[@SoupyBnuy]

there's so many people who think autism equals stupidity or that autistic people like myself are lesser people, it's just discrimination at some point

[@michaelclark9840]

I've honestly stopped telling people that I first meet because, frankly, they never tell the difference. Once I do tell people about being autistic (high-functioning at first, subthreshold now), people will act all impressed. And funny thing is, I got made fun of in school a lot because I was so different, come to find out that I went through more social development since high school into my post-college years than the same people that bullied me did. For anyone on the spectrum, the best way to overcome the negatives of the condition while supporting the positives (because it really is not all bad) is, aside from seeking out the appropriate therapies, forming healthy habits. Meditation, proper dietary practices, healthy hobbies, resting properly, and a good balance between participating in social events and relaxing are all great examples of things that can help people on the spectrum thrive.

[@waffles1680]

Can we appreciate the effort Mike goes through to remove negative stigma and give the truth to people who don't know much about sickness

[@ViirinSoftworks]

Except we autistic people aren't sick.

[@areallyawsomename]

I mean, I get where this kind of thing is coming from. But as someone with Asperger's, I'm not a huge fan of the whole framing "challenges as differences rather than deficits" thing. Not being able to get through any simple social interaction without wanting to kill myself afterwards isn't anything but bad. There's no positive spin you can put on that. Having Asperger's generally sucks, and I'm a little tired of people almost pretending like it doesn't.

[@jparrish6360]

Truth

[@amiaswolfgang]

@@areallyawsomename See, here's the thing, you are not *the* autism experience, your experience is 100% valid and I hope you are able to find the support you need, but the way you're phrasing things is misleading and harmful to other autistics. Not every autistic person experiences life the same way you do. Let other autistics celebrate themselves, and let other autistics talk about their struggles, but never attack either group, and never promote generalization of anyone on the autism spectrum. We should be one community. We should be getting rid of terms that pathologize us like "aspergers" and "asd", and we should be pushing that each autistic person has unique challenges, needs, and strengths. A lot of what Mike said in this video is the main problem with autism acceptance: we are seen as diseased and disordered and disabled without nuance. I want people like you who struggle with social interaction to have the care they need, but I also want people like me who struggle with other things to have the care we need, without any of us attacking eachother or saying that it's bad to be autistic.

[@LemonSte]

Autism isn't a sickness.

[@tatjanaabell5591]

thank you for taking time to remove the negative stigma and promote acceptance and differences of neurodivergent individuals dr mike! as a mom of an autistic son, it gives me joy to see this shift in society.

[@brittanylehman5104]

I agree, I only hope that this kind of recognition continues, since autism is becoming MUCH MORE COMMON nowadays than it was in my great, great, grandparents days of life. I too am autistic, with Asperger's syndrome, and I really would HATE to see people treating ME differently just because of that. Afterall, I can't change my brain, I was born with it being the way it is. I can't change ANYTHING about it, that's what I think most doctors don't understand, but Dr.Mike gets it, I like him too! X3

[@firewoman13merica65]

Hi guys What are the chances that a 41 yr old male with multiple symptoms be mistaken as a splitting cluster b narcissist with extreme enmeshment issues due to being groomed by his momster to be her surrogate son husband all his life? She told me he had never been diagnosed but felt he was autistic & had violent tendencies. It was 14 mos before I saw anything but a few “genius” quirks in this answered prayer. She attempted to move herself, 3 clueless kids, obese handicapped step dad on scooter & a cat in with us. She had other BETTER , COMFORTABLE options,this was comply or die basically. I pointed this out to my man as he scurried about flipping our modest home at capacity with 4 high prey drive rescue dogs upside down. His sister had turned her basement into a nice apartment for their 9 wk layover between new homes. She has been twisting the screws in his poor mind for 3 long hard yrs now. He has all the ASD symptoms. Technically brilliant void of common sense & genuine empathy which he displayed both for 14 mos. Either love really does blind you & dumb you down & he’s an Oscar worthy actor or she triggered something in his brain that I cant find the solution for. She convinces him he doesn’t need a diagnosis he’s fine. If it’s ASD I can work with that but.....My pack & I are going to head 4 the hills if it’s narcissism. Unless he agrees to an exorcism it would continue to be a rotten fruit endeavor.

[@willywonka00]

You realize every person thinks their kid is autistic. It's not even a stigma at this point it's a trend.

[@tatjanaabell5591]

@@willywonka00 definitely not a trend. the DSM was expanded so more children are diagnosed as such. while its gaining more awareness, there is most certainly still a stigma. and for the record, i dont THINK my child is autistic. he was diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team.

[@willywonka00]

@@tatjanaabell5591 I wasnt referring to you specifically. I don't know you or your child.but it's a trend. Everyone thinks a poorly socialized child or one who lacks social skills is autistic. And it's easier for doctors to tell parents the reason is autism. Then to have to actually figure it out . Go on tik tok. KZbin. It's a trend. A bunch of videos of " how to know if" or " what it's like". It's definitely doesn't hold a stigma you think it does. That's not to say I don't think anyone is not autistic. Just not to the degree that's being asserted now.

[@jacquierobinson6183]

Both my kids have ASD. They are both totally different. My daughter is quiet and socially awkward, fearful of EVERYTHING, has sensitive scalp and feet, terrible focus+memory+coordination+maths. My son is loud and socially charismatic, fears nothing, has a sensitive neck and hearing, has insanely good focus+memory+coordination+ is great at maths. They both have squishy hearts and feel very strongly. I am truly blessed to be their mother.

[@kawag6356]

One of mine has ASD and ADHD, she is highly different from my child with only ASD, I also have both.

[@lucassullivan2109]

What are some of your daughter's strengths?

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

They don't have ASD, they are autistic. It's not an illness that needs to be or even can be cured. In any case, I'm glad they have a proud mother.

[@anjellalo972]

​@@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334 asd means autism spectrum disorder

[@riggs20]

@@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder. A “disorder” is something you have, so she is using the term correctly.

[@TheBitingBat]

I was diagnosed with Asperger's as a kid, and honestly nothing has helped me more than the mindset of my brain doesn't work incorrectly, just differently

[@mreeeeeegf]

I have 2 friends with aspergers, and they're pretty normal and one of them doesn't even feel like it's an illness, the other just spaces out a lot (information intake queue messed up). I feel like some forms are rather harmless to a point where you could almost say it's a character quirk. I don't know about you, but I'm sure it's just a difference, not a flaw

[@kgapaneseschoolgirlb]

Yeah, when I was told that it made me feel a hell of a lot better. I used to want to be “fixed” but I realise there was nothing to be fixed. Sure the wires aren’t going to the right places, but the car still goes brrm and that’s all that really matters. It especially made me feel happier when I was told how useful thinking differently is because of how you can see a situation a different way to everyone else and how useful that is. (This also can cause problems but hey ho...)

[@mariee.5912]

👏

[@mariee.5912]

@@mreeeeeegf it's not an illness. People with ASD aren't sick. It's a neurological condition. Harmless??

[@Bad_Moon_Rising]

I was never diagnosed and didn't even hear about Aspergers till I was in my early 30s . After looking it up online eveything just clicked and it felt like a huge weight I never realized I was carrying had been lifted . :)

[@michelleotto7034]

As someone with ASD, I really appreciate the emphasis that having it creates differences and not deficits. There’s so much negativity behind people with ASD even amongst medical professionals, so it’s nice to hear a doctor have this positive mindset.

[@HerbaMachina]

@@lordarcalinox8582 its mostly because there was some debate as to whether he was a sociopath or autistic due to the questionable decisions he's made over his career.

[@MNBYN10]

💗

[@Joppi1992]

Wait what? As an ASD myself, I've had a ton of deficits in my life, with many things perceived as part of what's normal that I can't do. I've yet to find a place to fit in socially, with my surroundings demanding me to change for them instead of the opposite basically every time. I've met a handful of people in my entire life, who actually goes out of their way to adapt to me and what I need. The vast majority gives up and leaves me alone instead, which I can understand because with it being so individualistic in symptoms and pretty much how you perceive the world, I can't even fit in with other people who got the same diagnosis and the same age and gender. Only way I can socialize is by sharing an ambition and working together to achieve it, which eventually meets its natural end once the goal has been met or when you come to the conclusion it can't be achieved. This optimistic framing of it is honestly not helping.

[@michelleotto7034]

@@Joppi1992 I completely understand where you’re coming from. The point of the comment was not to negate any difficulties that can come with ASD. My main issue is that the generalized negative outlook on it by most people serves no one. I am high achieving at my job, but any time someone finds out I’m autistic, it’s held against me. There’s a very negative connotation when people talk about autism and those opinions do far more harm than good. There are so many common autistic behaviors that are not harmful. People’s perception and reaction to those behaviors are the issue. Putting a more positive outlook on ASD in general helps to work towards more productive and compassionate interactions with people around us.

[@Joppi1992]

@@michelleotto7034 There's danger in that narrative you're advocating for. You said it yourself that the point of what you said was not to negate any difficulties, but that's inevitably what will happen if the perception is changed too much in the general populace. Instead of "problems", they'll just treat it as "quirky", and because normal people can adjust in an easier way they often expect the same out of others. So when the problems are glossed over, there'll be backlash from that expectation when you're only treated as "quirky" instead of having legitimate problems that you can't overcome and instead have to work around. There's also a problem with sick pensions, for example when that's handled by the state, then the state is incentivized to keep the requirements as strict as possible. Where I live, it's insane what you have to go through just to get an OK, and even if you rightfully deserve it you still might not get it. If they were to get an excuse that it's not a problem, but instead just a "quirk", then it'll create an even deeper problem there. Right now they're still pushing autistic people into cognitive behavioral therapy where I live, before they'll even give you their judgment whether you'll get a sick pension or not. I hope that alone should tell you how bad things already are. And for the record, I have more diagnoses than just ASD. A lot more.

[@jessicarecore7619]

You are the first medical professional I've heard who sounds like he actually understands neurodiversity and accepts it for what it is. I'm sitting here in tears from watching this: I feel seen. As an autistic mom to an autistic teen daughter, thank you.

[@applefarm6126]

Ok

[@pavlinanelson6725]

Thank you for your comment Jessica, I am in similar situation and this video really made my day!

[@sumisv1684]

Hai jessica

[@goopguy548]

Probably because he's the only medical professional you have heard talk about it lol

[@sarabrenna5525]

@@goopguy548 did you miss the part where she explains that she's autistic with an autistic kid? I don't know if you know that but to get a diagnosis for both yourself and your kid you have to talk to doctors.

[@chanelplathe4801]

The fact that you included strengths and are talking about this in a very positive light is amazing. We need more people like you 😊

[@coletonparker5709]

Only Dr.Mike can squeeze a whole health lesson into a minute.

[@BEAUTYnIQ]

I broke your 666 curse .. lol . YW !

[@minibagels]

THAT WAS A MINUTE? I didn't even realise, because I got a whole lesson that I thought had to have taken at least 2 minutes. Wow.

[@phdonme1]

Yep Except he forgot to talk about Elon musketamine use and how that affects it

[@MrsClintA]

As a mother of 2 ASD kids, i appreciate this so much.

[@frnnzy_]

I wish you guys the best! :)

[@hries05]

Hello! I’m autistic and I know parenting us can be hard, but I’m sure you’re great at it. All the best of luck and love to you and your family

[@user-ariella]

Me and my older brother have ASD, he is higher on the spectrum. I understand your pain, when he gets frustrated he yells and screams and curses, and it breaks my heart to see my moms face😔

[@bobcatdidi8188]

I am also on the spectrum and even though I can sort of manage it it is really helpful that someone as Elon Musk could talk about it, especially given that ASD has two sides, some can really grow in a friendly environment and others can feel overwhelmed everywhere they go for the rest of their lives. Edit: I made some spelling errors.

[@danielwood6553]

​@@hries05 Trying to understand what a person with ASD is going through as a neurotypical can be very difficult, but if my child turned out to be half as polite and caring as you are, especially to strangers over the internet, I'd be proud as hell. You seem like a truly lovely person, keep it up :)

[@TheAspieWorld]

Hey thanks for the picture integration brother ✌🏼❤️

[@nicholascrow8133]

Saw that!!!

[@womanzuzu9688]

That's what's up!!

[@BillyzSexyBitch27]

Do A Collaboration!!!

[@nataliegrayhandle]

Awesome!

[@bipolartorecovery1485]

Yay aspie world! He changed my world and helped me begin my path towards self acceptance and diagnosis. It's given me so much insight on why certain things are in my life. Instead of thinking I'm less worthy of love, compassion, friendship and respect, I was able to learn tools about how to reciprocate to the other person so the interactions are more equal, emotional boundaries, social boundaries which also includes telling the people I care about to not worry about being polite if I did something that bothers them because I'd be more upset that I didn't know it bothers them than be offended, not to pursue conversations with new people when I'm tired because it's mentally draining to constantly do the social math of what their non verbal language is, etc. This has shielded me from alot of abuse both from others and self inflicted. Still working on the oversharing as you can see lol. Glad for people like aspie world standing up for females like me

[@FRUIANDISES]

My late grandfather was an aspi and God bless his soul, despite growing in Africa by those days, not going much to school, he had a passion for mechanics and was able to repair planes and boats mechanical issues whenever specialists couldnt. He was known in the city for that. Whenever there is an unsolvable problem he used to solve them as if they were nothing. Even when bank safes were blocked. He could unblock them in seconds. He wud never allow anyone near him when he did the repairing because that could be dangerous to teach others He spent the simplest life ever. Owning no more than 5 shirts and 5 pants. And worked as a simple mechanic till the last day of his life. He was very content with his life and was ready to go when he left this world. God bless my handsome beloved nàna ❤❤❤❤

[@cbhorxo]

Doctor Mike's ability to convert a one hour lecture into a one minute video is absolutely amazing! Plus : Thanks for 800+ likes! I've never gotten these many likes on any comment!

[@thealiusjones]

Ugh

[@goutamboppana961]

Ye

[@clemensmartin1034]

Says more about you having to put away your smartphone during lectures than about Mike being a good communicater.

[@_.-._.-.]

@@clemensmartin1034 communicator **

[@supbrohowsyourmomdoin]

online classes gives a long time and slow study. i prefer self study

[@mattkraig]

My little brother has autism and I hope every day for more people to learn about the spectrum so we can eliminate the stigma around it. Thank you for this short yet informative video, Dr. Mike!

[@idrathertalktoyourdognotyo7141]

My daughter is like you…. She hopes that someday ppl won’t stare judge-mentally at her brother or say rude things to us about him. She tries to educateher schoolmates on autism any chance she gets…. Her art projects are always about autistim, her English class projects are autism related, etc. your brother is so lucky to have such a loving caring sister. As a mom of an autistic child I just want you to know I’m proud of you. Not a lot of siblings accept an autistic brother or sister. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@KawaiiCat2]

I have friends who have autism and the new term is called sphere now. Spectrum is no longer used as some people with autism find it doesn’t fit them.

[@caroisoutofline]

@@KawaiiCat2 i’ve never heard of this. spectrum would still be preferred.

[@ShigekiHizashi]

Oh my God thank you so much. It wasn't until 2015 that I was officially diagnosed with Asperger's after spending the majority of my childhood diagnosed as bipolar. If I had been correctly diagnosed sooner, I wonder just how much of a difference it could have made in my quality of life. Years of medication, assumptions, bullying, etc have left me with lifelong issues that I'm still struggling with. Almost 28 years old, I should be out living my life, and yet instead I've learned to absolutely hate most of humanity because of how brutal and cruel they can be

[@aprilmason1616]

Me a kind human with a husband on the spectrum: will you accept a hug? Short hug, long hug, its up to you

[@canyonmoon4741]

Keep your head up champ! I relate to you so much! We can do it!

[@SloSpecZ35]

I was in a similar situation. I was diagnosed when I was 20. The amount of doors that opened almost immediately with appropriate treatment and better understanding of myself was incredible. I just wish it had been figured out sooner.

[@handsygirl]

wow wow wow wow make way! just the fact that you're still around means that you're crazy strong!

[@happyhopehuber]

People are cruel because of a lack of understanding. Don't cut yourself off from society because of the environment you had to endure. Take those lessons & use them as fuel. You deserve a place in the world just as much as anyone else. I feel like People on the spectrum have so much to teach the rest of the world. My younger brother is on the spectrum, pretty severely, and his mind is so beautiful. He has taught me so much. He has such a pure heart & he's hilarious. Im so thankful everyday that I was blessed to have a brother as special as him. He has made an impact on so many people just being him. Nurture your mind and you may surprise yourself.

[@orange123yoshi]

As someone with ADHD, thank you so much for your "differences rather than deficits" phrase about neurodivergency. We are only as deficient as society makes us. With support and help, however, we flourish and bring something unique, unparalleled by neurotypical people at certain things.

[@Reticence9zen924]

Mama Doctor Jones is another YT physician who's neurodivergent - she has ADHD- check her out.

[@nikig1605]

I'm pretty sure that someone close to me in my family has Asperger's but they are not diagnosed. That person is much older and would have had NO chance of being diagnosed throughout their life. They were just known as "odd," "different," "weird" or "strangely unique." Because of this lack of awareness or knowledge of ASD, I'm really happy when people - especially well-known, successful public figures - talk about their diagnosis openly, which helps both raise awareness and reduce the stigma. Thank you, @DoctorMike for talking about this to further help in those endeavours.

[@melissaspahr3810]

You can get diagnosed as an adult. I finally got diagnosed at 46! I always suspected and have a daughter with autism and just for the hell of it I finally went and got a full evaluation and turns out I was right.

[@BubblyViolin11]

My 85 yr old uncle was the same. He wasn't diagnosed until about 20 some years ago and he was ECSTATIC. My cousin told me the diagnosis for him was so validating and helped explain many of his idiosyncrasies.

[@DarkShadows713]

Aspergers isn't a diagnosis anymore but it's never too late to get an ASD diagnosis!!

[@mariebernier3076]

How old are they? FYI I was diagnosed at 50 and it really benefited me. It IS validating and so much frustration and low self esteem slid off my shoulders.

[@Ber3ft]

I'm autistic and people are always so confused when I tell them because I seem normal at first and when a lot of think of autism as one thing when it's actually a spectrum my autism is less noticeable than my ADHD

[@junievids]

Omg LITERALLY I have high functioning autism too

[@Gigachad-mc5qz]

Doesn't almost anyone have autistic traits

[@junievids]

@@Gigachad-mc5qz dude…wtf that’s such a messed up thing to say.

[@Ber3ft]

@@junievids I think he just means that it is a very vast spectrum and it is very hard to classify differences between human brains as autism or not autism everyone's built different

[@junievids]

@@Ber3ft I know what he meant, and I kind of agree (I guess?) but it was kinda offensive:/

[@kirinschlabitz4085]

As someone w a bunch of disorders that overlap or is just high functioning autistic of some sort I really appreciate the way you addressed this and a popular/influential health worker using the term neurodivergent will hopefully help more people get familiar with the idea and learn more about mental health and encourage acceptance and inclusivity.

[@karatepop]

You might want to read more about functioning labels and why they're harmful. That's not to discredit how you may identify, because I understand what you're saying, but functioning labels are not great. To be "high-functioning" simply means that you are able to sacrifice your mental health/identity in order to blend in just enough that other people are okay with you. It doesn't mean you're LESS autistic, or even more able to function. It actually puts you at higher risk of anxiety, for obvious reasons.

[@kirinschlabitz4085]

@@karatepop I know more or less what high functioning means. I tended to mask a lot of my symptoms and ignore them previously without even realizing and then on purpose after I learned a bit more about autism spectrum disorders. Then recently I got an ADD diagnosis on top of my other mental health disorders and it explained a lot of the overlap that made me think I might be autistic. Now around friends I talk with them about my mental state and we point out various differences in behavior between us and neurotypical people because we find it interesting. We try to encourage more healthy coping habits and such. But yeah I'd say I was high-functioning and so are a lot of AFAB people because we tend to be socialized to hide certain issues and not try to seek help which can lead to us not being diagnosed properly and not getting treatment as soon as we could.

[@vp9549]

@@karatepop What? It literally just means that you're able to function more independently. To suggest that high-functionality implies the sacrificing of mental health to conform to social norms is just incorrect and illogical. If mental health is sacrificed, one is definitively less capable of independence.

[@eleanoreliz]

@@kirinschlabitz4085 Lemme take a crack at why functioning labels have fallen out of favor with the autistic community. Functioning labels like "low-functioning" and "high-functioning" suggest that the autism spectrum is linear. That at one end are people who are "less autistic" and at the other end are people who are "more autistic." But that isn't how autism works, people experience various autistic traits more or less intensely, but everyone is the same amount autistic. Also, there is sort of an understanding in society that to be "more autistic" is worse because society stigmatizes autism a lot. Soooooo, all that to say, the preferred terminology has shifted to "support needs." "High support needs," "low supports needs," etc and someone who can live and get by independently would likely be "low support needs." That captures a general sense of what someone's experience of autism is like without reinforcing the inaccurate idea that the autism spectrum is a linear one from "less autistic" to "more autistic." You will still hear lots of people use functioning labels though! This is just food for thought. 🙂

[@kirinschlabitz4085]

@@eleanoreliz ah that's a good way to explain it, I tend to just see it as people having a lot of different ways of presenting yeah and just used which labels I'd heard but never interacted or participated directly in ASD communities

[@steveclark6307]

I have ASD, but on an extremely slight scale. I am actually highly gifted academically, can do extreme equations mentally that no one else I know my age is able to, and am several grades above my own in terms of academic level. I am also a very quick learner. As a dancer, I am able to watch a full 10 minute routine and copy directly after it, down to every little detail. I also can recall those same steps later on without reviewing them at all. Because of all of these things, most people are shocked when they hear I am autistic. I have to go into the details of how autism can be very different for every person, and there is a huge scale, that I am at the very bottom of. Thank you for explaining this properly. ❤

[@kaedonbuchmiller]

Thanks for this. “Differences, not deficits.” That’s going in the quote journal 💯

[@user-xb4mh6jz3g]

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

[@soraslp]

I’m an SLP (speech-language pathologist) and I really enjoy working with ASD students in helping them find the way they want to communicate! (Via mostly pragmatics, executive functioning tasks, etc.) Thanks for this information!!!

[@mariee.5912]

Omg, yes!! People forget about pragmatics and executive functions. The latter affect people forever.

[@MNBYN10]

My toddlers speech therapists are miracle workers! 🙏🙏

[@hries05]

I have autism and Mike explaining it so clearly makes me happy

[@someones_house]

I have ASD so having someone as yourself making a short talking about autism is heartwarming

[@tacobelle25]

the way doctor mike makes me wanna go to medical school- we love you doctor mike!!!

[@wanzasheila9296]

Me too

[@FacundoMD]

You can do it !

[@only1one1me]

I’m on the spectrum myself. I love how you addressed this! While I have my struggles, as we all do, there is no one I’d rather be than me.

[@mariee.5912]

You got it!!

[@nathandraper8519]

After 8 years of Marriage we recently found out my wife is Autistic. She was diagnosed at 34. I love that you brought up the stigma. The biggest comment my wife gets is “you don’t look/act autistic?” There is no look to autism, there is no high/low functioning, and autism is not a disease to be cured.

[@TheCybericecrystal]

Next time tell them „Well Karl Lagerfeld also didn‘t look autistic” and he was a fashion designer and icon!

[@lizc6146]

Very well put. There is no high/low functioning; no matter where you are on the spectrum, life is challenging!

[@beultra3083]

A close friend of mine was recently diagnosed at age 32. Which is totally fine, and hopefully leads her to some resources that can make her life a lot easier. BUT I sort of question the value of these adult diagnoses. My friend has a PhD, a successful career, and a good relationship with a partner, whom she lives with. She has a good relationship with her family, and some very close friends. Getting this diagnosis really shook her, even though practically speaking it didn't change anything about her life. It seemed a bit to me like the emotional turmoil it put her through was not worth the diagnosis. But she chose to get tested, so I suppose it was important to her to find out.

[@beultra3083]

Also females with autism tend to compensate or "camouflage" their difficulties more, which is why it's often not recognized until later in life.

[@tiffanymims8691]

@@beultra3083 yes they are very good at masking/mimicking other girls and that makes it easier for the doctors to overlook it and not diagnose it.

[@nicolasheppard3541]

Dr Mike, as a woman with ASD this is the BEST explanation of neurodivergence I’ve seen! Thank you!!!!

[@3leeza]

i learn more from dr mike's 60 second shorts than 8 hours in school

[@jordank6961]

It's almost like school isn't for teaching, just daycare under a different name

[@Jynz0]

Totally agree with both of you

[@FirstLast-pt7bm]

All of these are covered in schools. You people are just not willing to learn there. The most clear cut syllabus can be drafted and the teacher can be the best in the field but the students sleep deprive themselves, do no extra reading and don't ask questions. Stop blaming the school systems

[@Jynz0]

@@FirstLast-pt7bm you don’t know what country we’re from, school we went to, what year we went and what syllabus was covered. I’m a financial advisor, got straight A’s and I can see the failure of the educational system. For starters finance wasn’t even a subject, school doesn’t prepare you for the real world. It teaches you what you need to earn minimum wage, no interest in your success, they just want you to pass their little memory test

[@jordank6961]

@@Jynz0 agreed. I can only speak for U.S., but they don't teach you how to adult. You need to take college level classes in high school just to start learning how to adult. (And even then I'm still struggling T-T)

[@GammaFox6]

Differences rather than deficits. That’s a really good phrase. I’ve got so many mental and physical conditions it’s wild so thank you for giving me a new term to use.

[@lunathegamer]

A person who’s on the spectrum myself, I was diagnosed in 4th grade with High Functioning Autism and my dad has been able to help me get to where I am today, an almost functioning adult, I’m still learning how to drive but honestly if my dad weren’t around, my mom would’ve just given up on me as she has a hard time trying to teach me things

[@michelletate7750]

Glad to hear that you're doing well and have a father that sees how special and amazing you are! 💗

[@juanmarin450]

I love ur profile pic lmfao

[@hereagain8344]

Does your mum potentially have it?

[@lunathegamer]

@@hereagain8344 No she doesn’t, however my dad does

[@xijin_pooh5158]

Hope the driving is going well

[@roising.3221]

Honestly as an ASD person I don't share it with people because of how badly they treat me after. And I hated the school 'interventions' because I felt like a freak.

[@bhavinigourishetty1978]

This is a little unrelated to the video but can Dr. Mike do a video on how to do chest compressions and CPR properly? I learned it when I was in 8th grade but I still don’t know how to do it properly 😩

[@miranda13c]

Yesss and SO important to know.

[@srm3378]

Yeeees!!!!

[@felixtjoanda3841]

Simple, push at the middle pf your chest right where the ribcage ends to the beat of say so by doja cat, hope this helps P.s: it's because the song has a bpm of 100 if i remember correctly

[@yarialejandra9975]

Omg yes

[@James-dl2rh]

As someone with aspergers, most of this is true for me lmao. It is important to remove a lot of the stigma though. We're not all the same. This next partis only for others with autism: *We can't let them know of our growing autistic hive mind. Stay strong brothers and sisters*

[@vice7047]

stigma balls

[@TopGHippie]

@@vice7047 bruh

[@Aalijah_Matyevna]

I might have asperger's autism. I don't wanna tell my parents as my life is going fine with it. I am at the top of my class but I can't socialize and have whiny voice with my near ones. I also behave weirdly with ppl I am close to. And ppl whom I am not acquainted with ; I am mature but can't make the best impressions. Do I have Asperger's autism? What do you think? I am a bit sensitive to sound too.

[@TopGHippie]

@@Aalijah_Matyevna why not meet a doctor?

[@Aalijah_Matyevna]

@@TopGHippie iam just scared. And I am not having severe problems that's why.

[@ChristineFYI]

Mom of an ASD kiddo, thank you SO much for highlighting their strengths and listing them first! ❤️

[@Lee-bv7tj]

Always great to have such positivity from parents, not always the case so thank you! Please keep them safe and away from ABA.

[@uptown3636]

Christine, I’m an autistic adult who grew up with very supportive parents, and I’m grateful every day for them. Your ASD kiddo is lucky to have a mom like you, and-as Lee pointed out-not every autistic child is so fortunate.

[@erinelizabeth9153]

My granddaughter is and she is the smartest person. She loves her school and friends. I’m beyond grateful for her💯

[@oakenshadow6763]

I am Atistic and ADHD. I came up with a saying that helps me a lot. "It's a disability, not an inability." That helps me remember I can do thing if I put my mind to it.

[@absurdpotato4004]

Wow that’s actually amazing

[@felixhenson9926]

You know what else might help? If I explained what the term disability actually means. The term disability came out of the social model of disability and so it refers to the fact that many things about the way society is structured and built and the things people believe are often just as difficult to deal with as the symptoms of our health conditions. Disability specifically refers to that oppression. Hence why I don't like it when abled ppl get squeamish and thing disability means we can't do anything because that's not at all what it means! Apologies if I'm explaining something you're already familiar with.

[@kassi4837]

Yes! You can! We have so many possibilities because of anti-stigmatizing movements raising awareness for us! Also, you have strengths you can build on and can do wonderful things! The U.S. is beautiful in it’s diversity and efforts to help all people find their place.

[@kassi4837]

@@felixhenson9926 nope. You are right. Often society has the ability to work with the disabilities community but won’t because of lack of patience or because of pride. Of stubborn opinion. But that’s changing with awareness campaigns.

[@unknownman399]

Nope! Don't agree. The diagnoses only exist to be able to help individuals who needs help in their life. It's not a disability nor a inability. - An inability to do what exactly? - Are other people alway better on everything you are good at? - Disability? Why even think about it that way? ------------------- Write every day on a peas of paper what you are appreciated of and what you did well. In this way you can shift your negative mindset. ------------------- Kind regards

[@Krofetzir]

As a person with ASD I just want to say, thank you, Mike. Thank you for shedding light on this and trying to end the stigma around ASD.

[@TagiukGold]

I am surprised by how many people think of Elon's statement as a "reveal". It's been pretty clear to me for a decade that Elon is on the ASD, once I learned about ASD. I'm not crazy, but I wish my mother had me tested. Like most of us, we know we are different, and people around us know we are different, but we didn't know how or why.

[@slipperydick]

Probably because I rarely think about Elon Musk, why would I know anything about him.

[@wadesultan5074]

I have mild ASD and I thought Musk had it too. He just didn't seem to present himself like most.

[@cinaedvabyer2147]

Dr. Mike is just awesome! Breaking all barriers with facts and compassion! We need more people like him in this world! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@fatpikachu1953]

Both of my brothers have Aspergers. They mostly have troubles with emotions and empathy. They don’t know when they’ve hurt your feelings and don’t really know when to stop. They are both incredibly smart and kind though most of the time. I love them to death.

[@jessicarecore7619]

As another autistic, I just want to point out a huge misunderstanding about us with empathy. We don't lack it (we're actually typically more empathetic than average), we can have specified empathy (like too much towards animals, none towards people) though not all of us do... and we express it very differently from non-autistic "neurotypicals."

[@mariee.5912]

Yes!!

[@fatpikachu1953]

@@jessicarecore7619 thank you for educating me (:

[@malelonewolf80]

@@jessicarecore7619 I was about to comment about that misunderstanding myself. I find, as one on the spectrum, that it is not a lack of empathy, but rather having too much empathy. But since people on the spectrum tends to process a lot more information about the enviroment they are in, than people not on the spectrum do, people on the spectrum tends to have information overload. And thus cannot process all the empathy information that exists in a group of people. Thus the appearance of not having empathy. But in smaller groups, of one or two persons, a person on the spectrum will appear to have a great / greater degree of empathy for others, since the amount of information they have to process is less, and they can, in such situation, both feel empathy and communicate empathy.

[@lucettacole4617]

Thank you so much Doctor Mike!!!! You're one of the first people I've seen address this in such a factual, straight forward, and positive way. Its crucial for the people to see public figures framing ASD in this light or else the stigma will not change.

[@lebecccomputer287]

Love that you included strengths in addition to the weaknesses. Neurodivergence is awesome, autism is awesome. Every brain has its pros and cons

[@pokemonfanthings4444]

I hope you also keep in mind that many of us withi disabilities still struggle and need accommodations sometimes. ADD and autism doesn’t give you an edge. People sometimes thrive despite these conditions not because of them

[@lebecccomputer287]

@@pokemonfanthings4444 that’s why I said every brain has its pros *and* cons. Also, we live in a culture that really doesn’t seem to like neurodiversity. We force every shape into a round hole which naturally leads to maladaptation/disability. Accommodations are the closest we have gotten to letting neurodiverse people learn in the way they were meant to in the first place

[@TheMimmieb]

For some irs nothing more than a burden

[@TheMimmieb]

@@pokemonfanthings4444aaaah. I love this so hard!

[@pokemonfanthings4444]

@@TheMimmieb thank you

[@andpeggy7148]

I love Dr. Mike's approach to this. Especially how he listed the strengths of people with autism before the struggles. As a person with autism, I rarely see it framed like that. So to see a prominent youtube figure talk about it in such a way is so heartwarming and validating. I love the phrase "differences rather than deficits." Edit: clarification

[@AndaraBledin]

Someone else mentioned how being diagnosed was a huge help when they were young. As someone who didn't even know there was even a condition to be diagnosed with until her 30s, let me just say that they are absolutely right about that. I had a lot of anxiety when I was young due to the fact that my brain just didn't work the same as everyone around me, but once there was a name connected to my situation, and I knew what to attribute to that name, things got a whole lot easier for me going forward. Funny thing is, when I talked to my boss at the time (very approachable guy), he was surprised I didn't already know because to him it was obvious.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

As an autistic person, I really appreciate this Dr. Mike. Great information, great framing.

[@kyf_]

Sending love to you brother👊🏼

[@MrWebby93]

The day has finally come. Dr Mike is talking about something I know... this feels good.

[@markos.5539]

Dude... are you okay?

[@aiaproductions9319]

I was diagnosed with ASD and Asperger’s at a young age. I am proud of my condition. It is a genuine superpower with how people like me have the ability to recognize patterns and have a photographic memory. While it certainly can be a struggle socially, that actually can make you stronger in some ways as things don’t naturally click, though as time passes (which is seemingly forever) you learn the ropes. It doesn’t click automatically. For those who have the same condition and don’t feel proud of it, know that you are not alone. You have a superpower. You are a difference maker. Stay strong out there.

[@grimcreeperyt9241]

“Remarkable focus and persistence” combine that with ADD and you get someone who is only focused sometimes and someone who can’t focus at all the rest of the time.

[@avatarmadman]

Yes

[@_lil_lil]

ADHD people also "hyperfocus". From my experiece, hyperfocused perfectionism marathons are real. Unfortunately they are sandwiched between long daydreaming, wandering, puttering brain fog. (I might also have ASD but no diagnosis of it, just ADHD, mood disorder and social anxiety so far).

[@frankydman]

I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome back in 5th grade. Growing up, I thought differently than others, liked different things than others, behaved differently than others, and definitely had my fair share of issues. While I have gotten better with some aspects over the years, some things still are a challenge. Biggest obstacle- due to the way my brain is wired it’s hard to tell the difference between “friendly” and “bully” teasing... all teasing comes across as “bully” teasing unless stated otherwise. It’s not that I think friendly teasing is bad; I just have trouble distinguishing the two

[@mariee.5912]

I get it. I don't tease my son or I have to let him know. He gets it sometimes, but he has to think about it.b

[@liesel16]

I have ADHD and don't know the different between teasing and bullying. I feel people joking are personal attacks unless the person states that they joking in a non-personal way with me.

[@blamtasticful]

Psych student here. We study ASD a lot! Early intervention is better, but it is important to remember that this is indeed a spectrum. Most individuals diagnosed won't be like Elon Musk. A lot of psychological care also involves supporting parents and presenting reasonable expectations based on severity. A lot of times parent's just need to be heard and acknowledged regarding the challenges of raising kids diagnosed with ASD. The good news for those diagnosed is that the overwhelming majority of those diagnosed with ASD are very capable of leading happy and fulfilling lives regardless if those life pathways are closer to Elon Musk or if they are much more modest.

[@Kiracainvlogs666]

Thanks so much! As a person with ASD, I'm glad this is being talked about!

[@ithinkthistimeitsgoingtowork]

Glad to see someone with such a large platform provide accurate information about ASD and neurodivergence! The framing of differences rather than deficits is so crucial!!!

[@FacundoMD]

Agree !

[@winterso8589]

Dr. Mike always looking good while delivering scientific & medical FACTS 💯

[@rebekahwells5241]

I just realized his logo is a D M for Dr mike made by a stethoscope! It’s taken countless videos for me to figure this out. SUCH A BRILLIANT LOGO.

[@FacundoMD]

Jaja nice !

[@juleswick]

I love it too! Once you see it you can’t unsee it lol!

[@leana2922]

I love his neon light logo in the background too ❤️

[@katda50]

Haha, thanks for pointing that out, I actually hadn't realized it either :)

[@TurquoiseInk]

Doctor Mike, I can't believe I finally heard someone talk about strengths first! This is why I love your channel. I have known I have ADD since my early twenties and more recently realized I had some ASD traits, just learned to mask a lot like most ASD women. I wish I could have gone meds earlier for the ADD sooner. Being Neurodivergent is awesome and challenging. Acceptance and respect go a long way. Also, we don't use Asperger's since the doctor it was named was a Nazi sympathizer and supported eugenics. Oops. I refer to myself as Neurodivergent since I can be really social. I am glad the younger generations will have more information.

[@AZUDAI96]

As another person with Aspergers/ASD, I wanna say thank you so much for acknowledging us all and breaking down the knowledge barrier. I still struggle a bit but learning to deal with it in my 20s is helping me go further in life. Plus I embrace it, even make jokes about it with people, nasty or nice.

[@Shadows_Inc]

Fellow sperg here, your 30s get better. Hang in there.

[@kevwang0712]

All I can say is, thank you. -- from a person who was diagnosed with Asperger's at 34

[@tammylee1296]

I just completed my thesis presentation on ASD. Thank you for touching on such an important topic.

[@Summer-uq1vr]

Can you give me a couple random fun facts about it that I might not know? (/Gen) I'm autistic myself and have a special interest in mental disorders in general, but specifically neurodiverse conditions:))

[@pagefamillyvlogs6745]

The part about embracing the challenges of this mental disease I feel. I have autism and it’s helped me to embrace the gifts autism has given me and that’s helped me to look past the faults of it.

[@BearFOXThirty]

That list of strengths: "Oh hey that's me!" That list of weaknesses: "Ohhh these are me too" 🤔

[@phoat]

Not weaknesses... challenges!

[@asianblockguy]

But remember, you should always consult a professional and not self diagnosed yourself

[@miro6960]

@@asianblockguy professional diagnoses arent accessible to everyone specifically because of the stigma around asd and neurodiversity. im autistic and cant even consider getting professionally diagnosed because it would put me in a tough spot on many many fronts. yes, get a proper diagnosis if you can, but there are cases where self diagnosing is perfectly valid and important for the indiviuals mental health and life opportunities

[@kaijohnson7115]

@@miro6960 Don't self diagnose. You could just be introverted

[@miro6960]

@@kaijohnson7115 thanks thats probably the stupidest thing ive ever heard!

[@enthusia492]

Just last week I received my Asperger's Diagnosis. I'm 29 years old. Would've liked to have learned earlier in life, but am glad I didn't wait until much later. I have a lot to learn now. Therapy and family are helping me through.

[@lucasp3003]

Awesome, I'm asperger, and it's so well synthetised and clear that i want thank this man ! so thank you ! thanks to spread this word

[@ToffeeD]

Hi, I'm Toffee, and I have Aspergers. This fact about my life was not revealed to me by my parents until I was a sophomore in high school. When they finally told me, it finally made sense why I was so different from the others in my class. This was so cool to watch. Love this ❤❤❤

[@leana2922]

Keep doing these YT shorts, Dr Mike! Love them 🙌

[@taylorwood9956]

Hello gorgeous, how are you doing?

[@viridianasanchez90]

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst that works with children on the autism spectrum Im glad knowing that Dr. Mike is bringing awareness ♥️🧩

[@JasonJohnson-rp9bm]

Fingers crossed he's bringing awareness of how bad ABA is next. We're coming for you, BCBAs.

[@viridianasanchez90]

@@JasonJohnson-rp9bm I respect your opinion. I agree that there are many things wrong with ABA companies and there is a lot of things that need to change and be addressed. However, to make an assumption and a generalization that ABA is bad and that you’re coming for us is just not a helpful approach. Not all companies, therapists, BCBA’s, teachers, families, caregivers or clients are the same. This is why there needs to be awareness brought to what ABA is and how we can improve the quality of services provided to the clients. I wish all people involved in treatment would focus on making decisions about what is best for the clients and ensure proving effective treatment. I’m curious about your experience with ABA. Definitely would be great to hear your perspective.

[@caroisoutofline]

@@viridianasanchez90 aba is cringe

[@viridianasanchez90]

@@caroisoutofline not all companies are the same!

[@caroisoutofline]

@@viridianasanchez90 the concept is the same though. dog training for humans.

[@westinloven9770]

never knew any of this, you learn something new everyday

[@sunshinelizard1]

Thirty years ago, before autism was being talked about in the media, a company I worked at brought in a team to teach us about working with our offshore team in India - how we communicate differently, etc. The training included identifying and understanding different types of communication. I learned that the guy on my team that seemed unfriendly and blunt was just being who he is, he wasn't intending to be offensive. My takeaway is, accepting neurodiversity is about others understanding it enough to be comfortable with working with neurodivergent people and not taking their interactions personally. That was huge for me to learn and stayed with me from that point in in all of my interactions with people.

[@Celtatia]

I love this so much! I am from a neurodiverse family, every day is a challenge. Thank you so much Dr Mike for helping bring awareness to this and so many other issues. I’ve been watching you for a number of years but this is the first time I’m commenting.

[@CoCo1989]

I’m really loving these shorts. It’s amazing how you manage to teach us so much in just a minute!

[@turtlepenguinXkizuna]

I have so many Autistic friends (whom I love dearly) and your positive and supportive way of talking about a group that has suffered so much due to a (wilful?!) lack of understanding really means a lot 🥺💕💖

[@theangrytiredzebra]

Dr. Mike, there's a huge link with autism, ADHD, neurodivergence, and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. EDS opens the door for so much. When I was growing up they thought girls weren't as affected by autism so I never got the diagnosis but I was in special classes. Was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia but, as a girl I really fell through the cracks. Anyway, if you ever want to explore the Ehlers Danlos rabbit hole, it's so deep, it's so much. I'm happy that you know how to spot it for your patients. You are a rare breed. Not just a pretty boy doctor, you have a beautiful mind!

[@varsiniesutha9501]

Wish I had this doctor as my science teacher!

[@TinkerManMick]

My son is non verbal and autistic and I would never change him. He has the sweetest and kindest soul on this earth imo ❤

[@Summer-uq1vr]

Finally a parent to an autistic child who isn't, to put it lightly, ableist af lol. Keep it up - I guarantee that he'll learn just how much appreciation that deserves at some point. I can only hope it takes him a while lol

[@TinkerManMick]

@@Summer-uq1vr thanks so much mate! 😊

[@DarkGloComics]

@@Summer-uq1vr "Finally a parent..." Just compliment the man as is fitting. Don't try to use verbiage that makes it sound like the majority of parents with ASD children are ableist when you have no data to back that up. Weirdo.

[@matchu13]

Wow doctor mike just explained asd to a person with asd (me) better than most mental health doctors could lol.

[@cheyennerose1125]

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s at age 5. Which is considered pretty early for females. I wasn’t in SPED classes (I was in resource classes for 3 years). I was put in ABA therapy at age 6, however it caused a little trauma. The stigma needs to be removed. I am now about to turn 21. I have a full time job, pay my own bills, drive myself places, I’ve moved out of my parents house, I’m independent, etc. When people hear ASD or Autism they tend to stereotype us. They put us in a box. Which is why I love it when people spread awareness that it is a spectrum for a reason. When you meet one person with ASD, you’ve met one person with ASD. Not only does awareness need to be spread but also acceptance. P.s. I love Dr. Mike’s videos. They’re very educational but still very fun and entertaining to watch. I know my sister and friends agree.

[@bumplebees]

I love that you used the term "neurodiversity" and in no way inferred that ASD people are any less due to their differences! Just this last year I learned I'm likely on the spectrum and it makes me really happy to see this.

[@DarkGloComics]

No need for a term like that. and who exactly is making them feel any less? PLEASE provide that. We had a tv show called, "Life Goes On". The character Corky, and the actor who portrayed him have Down's Syndrome. HE WAS THE MOST POPULAR OF THE SHOW. At that time DS was ACTUALLY shamed, mocked, and ridiculed. The show brought a positive light to it. Ever since then, all forms of neuro/physical challenges have become accepted by the majority.

[@bumplebees]

What kind of bubble do you live in...? Are you neurodiverse? Do you personally know anyone who is? Do you know ow hard it can be to get a job that accommodates autism? Do you know the social stigma and isolation it causes? Have you ever had to go to therapy where they try to reprogram you to act like a neurotypical person? Because your differences are seen as unacceptable or wrong?

[@thebrownieman5293]

@To Release is To Resolve it isnt

[@XxTR1D]

There is a stigma with aspergers... “Billionaire that will make us go to the moon and to mars admits he has aspergers” That’s one way to de-stigmatize

[@brittanylehman5104]

That was a clever pun you just made there, good job, it made me chuckle. ( (3

[@pizzaparkerhotdogmaguire3225]

Mars*

[@ThankYou_Please]

@@pizzaparkerhotdogmaguire3225 don't correct when someone's right. He's going to both the moon and Mars.

[@sojiroumakairyu5143]

i see what you did there Mr clever 😏

[@akjm9177]

Really? I despise Elon musk and everything he stands for. I wouldn't call that de-stgimatizing. Im autistic and i don't wanna be painted as an eccentric billionaire who is anti-worker and has a fortune built on apartheid emerald mines.

[@DeagonWagon82]

My son has high functioning ASD as well as ADHD, anxiety and depression. It's rough watching him try to make friends and find a girlfriend. Social therapy can help a lot with communication skills.

[@emmaakeens]

As a diagnosed ASD adult with a successful career in finance.. I agree. I love that I am working from home. It makes such a huge difference.

[@ashlytemple8456]

this is one of those days i feel like the world is getting a little bit closer to being a place an I openly tell people about my ASD without having to have a 30 minute conversation surrounding it, and a place where I can feel better about it myself

[@randomtinypotatocried]

I look forward to the day I don't get pinned with stereotypes of Autism, especially within the medical field

[@rmiranda4223]

I'm a special educator, and I support this message.

[@Leifisnotaleaf]

Being a special educator really doesn’t mean much. You can be in the room, but you don’t get a seat at the table.

[@memeswillneverdie]

@@Leifisnotaleaf so someone who deals with people who have similar issues every day has no business talking about the things they observe. I guess doctors are basically useless since they can’t feel exactly what it’s like to have each condition, your logic is strange

[@Leifisnotaleaf]

@@memeswillneverdie The things Doctor Mike is saying in this video is incorrect and very uncomfortable. Especially since he refuses to say autism and called it mental health, when autism is a neurotype, not a mental illness. Allistics (people who aren’t autistic) will never know more about autism then an autistic person. If you’re not autistic and you’re trying to educate about it, chances are you’re going to be wrong.

[@Leifisnotaleaf]

@@memeswillneverdie and this is specifically about autism. Doctors are also often wrong when it comes to autism, especially since they still think that shocking us is a good thing

[@fr0styyproductionsmc]

@@Leifisnotaleaf people who are autistic are usually not the ones doing the research? Did you go to med school? You are full of yourself.

[@rent5729]

This made me so happy as an autistic person to hear Dr. Mike speaking on the correct terms and educating his audience on us- thank you doctor Mike

[@MrFuggleGuggle]

My brother has aspergers and tourette's syndrome. It's a rough deal. He can hold down a job and do chores and talk, but he definitely has issues with socializing, recognizing social cues, and most people who don't understand will be putt off by his tics and noises he can make.

[@1901180108]

It means so much to me that there's a medical professional who believes neurodiversity is a good thing.

[@BboyKeny]

I personally don't attribute good or bad to it. That's kind of what started the whole deficit train of thought. It all depends on whether a person can have a fulfilling life or not. Just saying "Ow you have this neurological pattern, don't do anything about it" isn't a very good solution for the question "I'm at risk of losing the ability to support my family because of my communication skills. How can I improve?"

[@ZacksRockingLifestyle]

@@BboyKeny I agree with your statement. I had to change myself to communicate better with those around me. The impetus in communication is the clarity of the speaker. Sometimes it can be hard explaining why something might be exclusively funny to me because of a different context that my brain linked it to. I have a hard time believing people when they say they understand what I’m saying. I know they have at least some of the context of experiences like what I’ve gone through. Probably the best context I can give is that I lived most of my life in a place where you would probably be fine leaving your doors unlocked… But now, one of the first things I do after I unlock my door and walk into my apartment is lock the door again. I had a coworker who used to joke with me that I could never answer a yes or no question because nothing could ever be that simple haha “Hmm okay yeah bla bla… oh, you just proved yourself right.”

[@brittanylehman5104]

@@ZacksRockingLifestyle Was that your friends exact words to you? That doesn't sound very nice. Also, I too suffered A LOT through communication. As a child, I hardly talked to anyone, and rarely ever made eye contact with anyone either. Throughout school, I had to train myself to look into people's eyes when they were talking to me, and it took YEARS to master that skill, in fact; I'm still having problems with it from time to time, but most times can keep eye contact with people now, but as a kid, I didn't have any friends outside my family that stuck around to still be my friends, till around middle school, when I made a friend that's lasted ever since then. Sometimes, all it takes is someone you can trust to perfect a skill that you've been trying to hone after YEARS of practice.

[@angelahaughton9167]

And now I’ve subscribed. My son is autistic and there’s so much to it. Every case is different. Thank you for spreading positive awareness!

[@batbratsdesigns]

I love your channel Dr. Mike. You are an awesome dude 😎.

[@gustavogonzalez3246]

Being the father of a child on the autistic spectrum, it makes me so happy hearing you saying “neurodivergent individuals”. There are so many “experts” that are not well informed.

[@kaylaskeen6107]

My 4 yr old has ASD. Has been in several therapies and early intervention since before his 2nd birthday. He went from a completely non-verbal constantly melting down severely delayed child to a verbal (still delayed but we are getting there) happy child who has learned to adapt and cope with his surroundings. ❤ He gets to start regular Kindergarten this year! He actually tested above average in academics in his Kindergarten eval. He will still have a IEP and we still do several therapies a week but he has come so far!

[@oaklengallagher-armstrong7164]

Wow, it’s amazing to hear that he tested above average for kindergarten. It’s very clear you’ve done a fantastic job learning how to be a good parent to him and teaching him how to adapt and cope with the world around him. Keep up the fantastic work! As an autistic person myself, this kind of thing is always great to see, and I hope to one day be like this for my own children.

[@kaylaskeen6107]

@@oaklengallagher-armstrong7164 Thank you 😭I didn't do it alone. His pediatrician actually cares and listens and knows I know him better than she does. He has had a team of therapist and special education pre-school teachers. Even got to go to a pre school just for ASD kiddos until this past Christmas he was ready to go to a combined Pre-k class with special and general education kids. Its taken a village and a lot of sweat and tears. He is my baby and I will always support and advocate for him!

[@toniboyer3322]

Thank you for this video...my daughter has level 2 ASD and really struggles quite a bit. We are so proud of her recent graduation from high school and are working on getting her into college as this is what she wants to do next

[@thebasicbaephilosopher]

I'm neurodivergent, and I so appreciate you speaking positively about ASD!

[@zoeywilliams4848]

I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 6, but I only have the positives. I only developed depression when my parents turned the diagnosis into what I was. They made me feel like ASD was what defined me and that I was essentially handicapped for it. When I was thirteen, I wanted to commit suicide, so they took me to a psychiatrist/psychologist (can’t remember which) and a regular pediatric/family doctor, and both said I was misdiagnosed. In reality, I was just a weird kid. The psychologist/psychiatrist had to explain that plainly to them, and they were dumbfounded. My parents still think that both of them were “hinting” to just let it be and pretend that I was normal.

[@luthien9478]

I am so sorry to hear that. I was diagnosed with 18 and developed depression because I always asked myself wtf is wrong with me. Honestly, abelism is one of the biggest struggles.

[@kelseyburke7024]

I’m a 21 year old woman and I JUST got diagnosed in September 2020. Videos like these give me hope that one day, women will get diagnosed way earlier.. in early childhood just like males do. Thank you so much for this ❤️

[@cheryl-lynnmehring8606]

Why don't females get diagnosed early?

[@kelseyburke7024]

@@cheryl-lynnmehring8606 We’re often overlooked. Young autistic boys are very vocal and women will have usually goes mutter and. A lot ofickkng

[@kelseyburke7024]

@@cheryl-lynnmehring8606 okay I have no idea where that last sentence went, I have sleep disorders

[@Equal_inDeath]

@@cheryl-lynnmehring8606 Also because all of the early research done on Autism was done on men. And there are still medical professionals practicing today who genuinely believe that women cannot have autism because it’s a “men’s disease” (wrong in more ways than one), I wish I was kidding.

[@thoriqzulkarnain4114]

"Gifts: persistence..." Me:huh no wonder elon has that never give up attitude

[@superocker0658]

I also have aspergers, let me tell you it isnt joking when It says persistence, the amount of things i have done with that.

[@thoriqzulkarnain4114]

@@superocker0658 well, so long as you are persistent on something that wont hurt you

[@satoshinakamoto7253]

@@superocker0658 same

[@danialimran7720]

Never gonna give you up

[@thebrownieman5293]

Never gonna let you down

[@zxrainbowmouse-8921]

Love this video 💕 my son has autism he is such a bright young man he does have a lot of problems with communicating but we are slowly helping with it

[@michaelclark9840]

Speech therapy is key, and one thing I wish I had as a kid (I'm not sure if it changed) is activities where children in speech therapy practice communicating with other children in a safe space earlier on so that healthy habits (eye contact, hand gestures, posture, etc.) can be practiced and mastered early on. Encouraging your son to find friends with similar interests that he can get comfortable around is probably one of the best ways to help with social development, as finally breaking out of my shell and being open with people was my turning point, socially.

[@akjm9177]

Just FYI... people don't "have autism". They are autistic. That's like saying "my son has gay" or "my son has disable".

[@_.-._.-.]

@@akjm9177 oh shut up. You're preaching about something that doesn't even make sense. Saying someone has autism is just like saying someone has diabetes or has a scar. Its a condition. Get over yourself.

[@akjm9177]

@@_.-._.-. no, you're just wrong lmao. But what would I know I'm only autistic myself.

[@spicysalad3013]

@@akjm9177 is it directly bothering you or contributing to a stigma? No? Then chill out

[@khaotictrash]

I really love how you handled this! I was diagnosed with Asperger’s right before it was changed and my psychiatrist changed it to ASD a couple years later. Thank you for talking about my condition in a positive and accurate way ❤️

[@bodyofhope]

As a disability advocate, and a disabled individual, I commend you-- this is very well done, Dr. Mike! 👍♿💪🧩🎗

[@2739gghggfhytf]

Asperger is not in any way a disability

[@_.-._.-.]

@@2739gghggfhytf he literally said in the video that its a part of ASD which is quite literally a class of mental disability.

[@2739gghggfhytf]

@@_.-._.-. I say it, because I know first hand because I'm asperguer.

[@rainbowspec14]

I know I'm late to this comment but whatever, as an Autistic person don't use the puzzle piece to represent Autism. It was made and popularized by an Autism hate group (Autism Speaks) and instead you should use the rainbow infinity symbol or the infinity emoji. (♾)

[@ht8038]

@@2739gghggfhytf could be. I have selective mutism, an anxiety disorder and I would consider myself disabled

[@fluffy695]

“Frame challenges as differences rather than deficits.”

[@AA_21861]

I love how you started with the strengths and made sure you balanced it out with the weaknesses. Too many focus on the non verbal comms or depression (understandably, but still) but forget that it comes with strengths as well.

[@ethanfinlay3365]

As a person who was diagnosed with Asperger's I really appreciate the clearly of your explanation of what we go through